A Level Graphics with Resistant Materials Technology

The Design Curriculum Team offer an AS/A-level courses called "Product Design: Graphics with Materials Technology". This is essentially 2 courses AS (taken & examined in year 12) and A2 (examined at the end of Year 13). They are combined to create a full A-level although the AS course is intended to be a separate unit which extends students' experiences from GCSE or on to which further study can be added at a later date to gain the full A-level.

Subject Content

Design Design and Technology in Society
Manufacturing and Processes Advertising
CAD/CAM Marketing
Idea generation Environmental issues
Developing Health and Safety
Modeling
Graphic rendering skills
Researching
Materials
Testing and evaluation

Entry Requirements

Students need to have a Grade C or above in either Resistant Materials, Graphics or Electronic products at GCSE. Students who have other relevant qualifications like Art or textiles should speak to the Head of Design to discuss possible entry to the course.

Assessment

Assessment is through coursework projects and exams.

AS Unit 1 Product Development
50% coursework project (25% of Advanced GCE)

AS Unit 2 Knowledge and Understanding of Product Design
50% exam (25% of Advanced GCE)

A2 Unit 3 Further study of Product Design
25% exam

A2 Unit 4 Commercial Product Development
25% Coursework project

Coursework

Section 1 Investigation & Clarification of a Problem
Section 2 Development of a Design Proposal
Section 3 Communicating & Modelling
Section 4 Making/ Manufacturing
Section 5 Evaluation & Testing

(Approx. 20-25 sheets of coursework + 2D/ 3D design model)

The Future

A good grade in design studies can widely expand the amount of jobs you can choose as project work and creative problem solving are key skills to many occupations. Within the Design disciplines this course can lead onto many specialist areas like graphic, product, exhibition, engineering, film set, interior design and architecture.

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